The Godly Man's Picture

6 Godliness is so excellent, that the worst men would have it when they are going hence; though at present godliness be despised, and under a cloud, yet at death all would be godly: A Philosopher asking a young man, whether he would be rich Croesus, or virtuous Socrates? answered, he would live with Croesus, and dye with Socrates: So men would live with the wicked in pleasure, but dye with the godly, Numb. 23. 10. Let me dye the death of the righteous, and let my end be like his: If then godliness be so desirable at death, why should we not pursue after it now? godliness is as needful now, and would be more feasible.

6 Godliness is so excellent, that the worst men would have it when they are going hence; though at present godliness be despised, and under a cloud, yet at death all would be godly: A Philosopher asking a young man, whether he would be rich Croesus, or virtuous Socrates? answered, he would live with Croesus, and dye with Socrates: So men would live with the wicked in pleasure, but dye with the godly, Numb. 23. 10. Let me dye the death of the righteous, and let my end bee like his: If then godliness be so desirable at death, why should we not pursue after it now? godliness is as needful now, and would bee more feasible.

5 There are but few godly; they are as §5the gleanings after vintage;¹ most receive the Mark of the Beast, Rev. 13. 17. The Devil keeps open house for all comers, and he is never without guests; this may prevail with us to be godly, if the number of the Saints be so small, how should we labour to be found among these pearls?